Lot
72 
San Francisco, Cal., Dec 2 (San Francisco). Clear cds (SAF-260) on 1849 legal size cover addressed to the postmaster at Vernon, Cal., manuscript "Official Business, R.T.P. Allen, Agent" endorsement; some light edge wear and slightly reduced at left, F.-V.F., a rare early San Francisco free frank usage from Postal Agent Colonel Allen to one of his newly established post offices in Vernon. Estimate $400 - 600.
William Van Voorhies established the first official Post Offices in California at Monterey and San Francisco in February of 1849. He was then replaced as Special Postal Agent in California by R. T. P. Allen on March 30, 1849 after Postmaster General Cave Johnson under President James K. Polk was succeeded by Postmaster General Jacob Collamer under President Zachary Taylor. Allen's duties were soon over after this date.
Realized: $250